Current-injecting/tunneling light-emitting device and method

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for making it. Some embodiments include a light-emitting device having a light-emitting active region; a tunneling-barrier (TB) structure facing adjacent the active region; a TB grown-epitaxial-metal-mirror (TB-GEMM) structure facing adjacent the TB structure, wherein the TB-GEMM structure includes at least one metal is substantially lattice matched to the active region; and a conductivity-type III-nitride crystal structure adjacent facing the active region opposite the TB structure. In some embodiments, the active region includes an MQW structure. In some embodiments, the TB-GEMM includes an alloy composition such that metal current injectors have a Fermi energy potential substantially equal to the sub-band minimum energy potential of the MQW. Some embodiments further include a second mirror (optionally a GEMM) to form an optical cavity between the second mirror and the TB-GEMM structure. In some embodiments, at least one of the GEMM is deposited on, and lattice matched to, a substrate.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/066,960, filed Feb. 25, 2008,which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/882,730, filed Aug. 3, 2007, titled III-NITRIDE LIGHT-EMITTINGDEVICES WITH ONE OR MORE RESONANCE REFLECTORS AND REFLECTIVE ENGINEEREDGROWTH TEMPLATES FOR SUCH DEVICES, AND METHODS (Attorney Docket5069.001us1), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entiretyfor all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to semiconductor light emitters anddevices, and more particularly to an apparatus and method of manufactureof group III-nitride light-emitting diodes (LEDs), some embodiments ofwhich provide a vertical-structure LED, and optionally include groupIII-nitride LEDs, GaN-based LEDs, and semiconductor laser diodes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention is related to III-Nitride based light-emitting diodes(LEDs). Over the past decade, group III-nitride based light-emittingdevices have garnered significant attention due to the ability of groupIII-nitride based devices to output light having wavelengths in theultra-violet (UV), blue and green light regimes. Despite the significantresources expended to develop and commercialize group III-nitride basedlight-emitting devices significant difficulties and barriers still existto realizing group III-nitride based light-emitting devices withimproved efficiency, reliability and performance characteristics.Conventional standard III-Nitride LEDs require that electrons areinjected into the semiconducting device such that the electronpotentials are at the conduction-band minimum of the n-type layer, forthe purpose of later being injected into a lower-potential activeregion. The potential level of the initial electron injection determinesthe voltage that is required to drive the LED. Once the electrons areinitially injected into the conventional standard LED device, theelectrons drop in energy into an energy potential of the sub-bandminimum of the active region from the n-type semiconductorconduction-band minimum and then combine with a positive carrier,thereby releasing energy as a photon. The initial drop in energy of theelectron from the bottom of the n-type conduction band to the energypotential of the sub-band minimum of the active region is converted intoheat and therefore wasted energy. This wasted energy is an issue becausethe generation of heat is not desirable due to decreased devicereliability, and LEDs that are efficient in converting electrical energyto light are favored. Moreover, in conventional LEDs, the electrons maytravel past the quantum wells into the p-type materials, where theelectrons are recombine with holes outside of the active region of thedevice and therefore the energy expended to move the electrons into theconduction band of the n-GaN is wasted. One example of a conventionalLED device that exhibits the prior mentioned limitation is shown inprior-art FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,614,060 issued to Wang et al. on Sep. 2, 2003 titled“LIGHT EMITTING DIODES WITH ASYMMETRIC RESONANCE TUNNELLING”, and isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Wanget al. describe an LED based on a two well system with charge asymmetricresonance tunnelling that comprises first and second coupled wells, onebeing a wide well and the other an active quantum well. The wells arecoupled via a resonance tunnelling barrier which is substantiallytransparent for quantum-tunneling electrons and blocking for holes.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,426,512 to Ito et al. titled “GROUP III NITRIDE COMPOUNDSEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE”, and is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety for all purposes. Ito et al. describe an undercoat layerinclusive of a metal nitride layer that are formed on a substrate. GroupIII nitride compound semiconductor layers are formed on the undercoatlayer continuously.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,176,483 to Grupp et al. titled “METHOD FOR DEPINNING THEFERMI LEVEL OF A SEMICONDUCTOR AT AN ELECTRICAL JUNCTION AND DEVICESINCORPORATING SUCH JUNCTIONS”, and is incorporated herein by referencein its entirety for all purposes. Grupp et al. describe an electricaljunction that includes a semiconductor (e.g., C, Ge, or a Si-basedsemiconductor), a conductor, and an interface layer disposedtherebetween. The interface layer is sufficiently thick to depin a Fermilevel of the semiconductor, yet sufficiently thin to provide thejunction with a specific contact resistance of less than or equal toapproximately 1000 Ω-μm², and in some cases a minimum specific contactresistance.

There is a need for improved light-emitting diodes, particularly groupIII-nitride LEDs, and in particular, group III-nitride LEDs that useresonant tunneling barriers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, the present invention provides an apparatus thatincludes a light-emitting device having a light-emitting active region,a tunneling-barrier (TB) structure facing adjacent the active region, aTB grown-epitaxial-metal-mirror (TB-GEMM) structure facing adjacent theTB structure, wherein the TB-GEMM structure includes at least one metaland is substantially lattice-matched to the active region, aconductivity-type III-nitride crystal structure adjacent facing theactive region opposite the TB structure. Some embodiments furtherinclude a current-conducting contact electrically connected to theconductivity-type III-nitride structure. In some embodiments of theapparatus, the active region optionally includes a multiple-quantum-well(MQW) structure. In some embodiments of the apparatus, the MQW structureof the active region optionally includes quantum-well widths selected toprovide a selected sub-band minimum energy potential, and the TB-GEMMstructure includes an alloy composition such that metal currentinjectors have a Fermi energy potential that is substantially equal tothe sub-band minimum energy potential of the MQW.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method for makinga light-emitting device. This method includes forming a light-emittingactive region, forming a tunneling-barrier (TB) structure such that inthe light-emitting device the TB structure is facing adjacent the activeregion, forming a TB grown-epitaxial-metal-mirror (TB-GEMM) structuresuch that in the light-emitting device the TB-GEMM structure is facingadjacent the TB structure, wherein the TB-GEMM structure includes atleast one metal and wherein the TB-GEMM structure is substantiallylattice matched to the active region, forming a conductivity typeIII-nitride crystal structure such that in the light-emitting device theconductivity type III-nitride crystal structure is facing adjacent theactive region opposite the TB structure. Some embodiments furtherinclude forming a current-conducting contact such that in thelight-emitting device the current-conducting contact is electricallyconnected to the conductivity type III-nitride. In some embodiments ofthe method, the forming of the active region optionally includes forminga multiple-quantum-well (MQW) structure. In some embodiments of themethod, the forming of the MQW structure of the active region optionallyincludes forming quantum-well widths selected to provide a selectedsub-band minimum energy potential, and the TB-GEMM structure includes analloy composition such that metal current injectors have a Fermi energypotential that is substantially equal to the sub-band minimum energypotential of the MQW.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is an energy-level diagram 101 of a prior-artmultiple-quantum-well (MQW) device 102 or 103.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a prior-art MQW device 102 having aninsulative substrate.

FIG. 1C is a block diagram of a prior-art MQW device 103 having aconductive substrate.

FIG. 2A is an energy-level diagram 201 of an MQW device 202 or 203,according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a block diagram of an MQW device 202 having an insulativesubstrate, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2C is a block diagram of an MQW device 203 having a conductivesubstrate, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2D is a block diagram of an MQW device 204 having an insulativesubstrate and an optical cavity, according to some embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2E is a block diagram of an MQW device 205 having a conductivesubstrate and an optical cavity, according to some embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2F is a block diagram of an MQW device 206 having an insulativesubstrate wherein light can be emitted through the substrate, accordingto some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2G is a block diagram of an MQW device 207 having a conductivesubstrate and a thin top-side GEMM structure that allows light to beemitted through it and out the top of the device, according to someembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2H is a block diagram of an MQW device 208 having an insulativesubstrate, a thin bottom-side GEMM to form an optical cavity whereinlight can be emitted through the bottom-side GEMM and the substrate,according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2I is a block diagram of an MQW device 209 having a conductivesubstrate and a thin top-side GEMM structure that forms an opticalcavity and allows light to be emitted through it and out the top of thedevice, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is an energy-level diagram 301 of an MQW device 302 or 303,according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a block diagram of an MQW device 302 having an insulativesubstrate, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3C is a block diagram of an MQW device 303 having a conductivesubstrate, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3D is a block diagram of an MQW device 304 having an insulativesubstrate and an optical cavity, according to some embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3E is a block diagram of an MQW device 305 having a conductivesubstrate and an optical cavity, according to some embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3F is a block diagram of an MQW device 306 having an insulativesubstrate wherein light can be emitted through the substrate, accordingto some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3G is a block diagram of an MQW device 307 having a conductivesubstrate and a thin top-side GEMM structure that allows light to beemitted through it and out the top of the device, according to someembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3H is a block diagram of an MQW device 308 having an insulativesubstrate, a thin bottom-side GEMM to form an optical cavity whereinlight can be emitted through the bottom-side GEMM and the substrate,according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3I is a block diagram of an MQW device 309 having a conductivesubstrate and a thin top-side GEMM structure that forms an opticalcavity and allows light to be emitted through it and out the top of thedevice, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4A is an energy-level diagram 401 of an MQW device 402 or 403,according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a block diagram of an MQW device 402 having an insulativesubstrate, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4C is a block diagram of an MQW device 403 having a conductivesubstrate, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4D is a block diagram of an MQW device 404 having an insulativesubstrate and an optical cavity, according to some embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4E is a block diagram of an MQW device 405 having a conductivesubstrate and an optical cavity, according to some embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4F is a block diagram of an MQW device 406 having an insulativesubstrate wherein light can be emitted through the substrate, accordingto some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4G is a block diagram of an MQW device 407 having a conductivesubstrate and a thin top-side GEMM structure that allows light to beemitted through it and out the top of the device, according to someembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4H is a block diagram of an MQW device 408 having an insulativesubstrate, a thin bottom-side GEMM to form an optical cavity whereinlight can be emitted through the bottom-side GEMM and the substrate,according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4I is a block diagram of an MQW device 409 having a conductivesubstrate and a thin top-side GEMM structure that forms an opticalcavity and allows light to be emitted through it and out the top of thedevice, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5A is a block diagram of an MQW device 502 having an insulativesubstrate, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a block diagram of an MQW device 503 having a conductivesubstrate, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a block diagram of an MQW device 602 having an insulativesubstrate, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a block diagram of an MQW device 603 having a conductivesubstrate, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7A is a block diagram of an MQW device 702 having an insulativesubstrate, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7B is a block diagram of an MQW device 703 having a conductivesubstrate, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8A is a block diagram of an MQW device 802 having an insulativesubstrate, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8B is a block diagram of an MQW device 803 having a conductivesubstrate, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9A is a block diagram of an MQW device 902 having an insulativesubstrate, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9B is a block diagram of an MQW device 903 having a conductivesubstrate, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an energy-level diagram 1000 of an MQW device, according tosome embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of one method 1100 according to some embodimentsof the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments,reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof,and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments inwhich the invention may be practiced. It is understood that otherembodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

The leading digit(s) of reference numbers appearing in the Figuresgenerally corresponds to the Figure number in which that component isfirst introduced, such that the same reference number is used throughoutto refer to an identical component which appears in multiple Figures.Signals and connections may be referred to by the same reference numberor label, and the actual meaning will be clear from its use in thecontext of the description.

Device structures including various configurations of an epitaxiallygrown metal mirror are described. As used herein, these embedded mirrors(or mirror configurations) are referred to as aGrown-Epitaxial-Metal-Mirror (GEMM) or a GEMM layer. In someembodiments, the GEMM layer is configured (e.g., by adjusting its workfunction) to facilitate tunneling of holes or electrons into amultiple-quantum-well (MQW).

As used herein:

-   -   Two structures are “facing adjacent” one another when one        structure has a major face at least a portion of which is facing        a portion of a major face of the other structure and adjacent        such that the portions of the major faces are near to or touch        each other.    -   Two structures are “edge adjacent” one another when one        structure has an edge at least a portion of which is near to or        touching a portion of an edge of the other structure.    -   Two structures are “adjacent” one another when one structure is        either facing adjacent or edge adjacent the other structure.    -   Two structures are “facing touching” one another when one        structure has a major face at least a portion of which is facing        a portion of a major face of the other structure and adjacent        such that the portions of the major faces are touch each other.    -   Two structures are “edge touching” one another when one        structure has an edge at least a portion of which is touching a        portion of an edge of the other structure.    -   Two structures are “touching” one another when one structure is        either facing adjacent or edge adjacent the other structure.

As used herein, the term “double heterojunction” refers to asemiconductor material structure wherein a semiconductor layer having asmaller bandgap is sandwiched between two semiconductor layers having alarger bandgap.

As used herein, the term “quantum well” (“QW”) refers to a semiconductormaterial structure wherein a semiconductor layer having a smallerbandgap is sandwiched between two semiconductor layers having a largerbandgap and the thickness of the smaller bandgap semiconductor layer isthin such that conduction-band splitting and valence-band splittingoccurs in the smaller bandgap semiconductor layer.

As used herein, the term “multiple quantum well” (“MQW”) refers to astructure having multiple quantum wells positioned such that the QW'sare adjacent to one another. In some embodiments, the present inventionincludes MQWs having between about two quantum wells and about fourquantum wells inclusive, between four quantum wells and eight quantumwells inclusive, between eight quantum wells and 12 quantum wellsinclusive, or more than 12 quantum wells. In some embodiments, when thequantum wells are thin enough such that the wave functions of thequantum wells overlap the multiple quantum well structure is referred toa “super-lattice quantum-well structure”.

As used herein, the term “tunneling barrier” refers to a thin layer ofmaterial (e.g., semiconducting, insulating, conducting or the like) thatis thin enough to allow charge carriers (i.e., electrons and holes) toquantum-mechanically tunnel through, but is a substantial barrier toregular current flow. In some embodiments, the tunneling barrier has athickness in the range of about 1 angstrom and 150 angstroms, in someother embodiments the tunneling barrier has a thickness in the range ofabout 1 angstrom and 10 angstroms, between 10 angstroms and 15angstroms, between 15 angstroms and 20 angstroms, between 20 angstromsand 30 angstroms, between 30 angstroms and 40 angstroms, between 40angstroms and 50 angstroms, between 50 angstroms and 75 angstroms,between 75 angstroms and 100 angstroms, between 100 angstroms and 125angstroms, or between 125 angstroms and 150 angstroms; each of theranges being inclusive of their endpoints. In some embodiments, thetunneling barrier thickness and the thickness of the quantum well(s)contributes to the energy-band splitting and therefore can be used totune the Fermi level energy of the combined tunneling barrier/activeregion structure.

As used herein, the term “resonance tunneling barrier” (RTB) refers to atunneling barrier wherein the energy level of the material on one sideof the tunneling barrier is the same as or approximately the same as theenergy level of the material on the opposite side of the tunnelingbarrier. In some embodiments, depending on the work function of themetal on one side of the RTB, the RTB can be configured topreferentially tunnel either holes or electrons, but not the other. Insuch a case there is an increased probability that the selected chargecarrier will tunnel through the RTB due to a resonance between the twoenergy levels on either side of the RTB.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides semiconductor-baseddevices for emitting light, and more specifically group III-nitridesemiconductor-based devices for emitting light, including GaN, InN, AlN,InGaN, AlGaN, AlGaInN, and the like. In some embodiments, the presentinvention provides light-emitting devices that use semiconductors otherthan from the group III-nitrides, for example, group IV semiconductors,group III-V semiconductors, group II-VI semiconductors, Si, Ge, GaP,InP, InGaP, AlGaP, GaAs, GaAsP, GaSb, GaSbAs, GaAlP, InGaAlP, InGaAsP,AlGaAs, AlGaInAs, AlN, ZnSe, and SiC, and the like. In some embodiments,light-emitting devices of the present invention use variousstoichiometric compounds of the prior identified semiconductors as wellas multiple layers of the prior identified semiconductors, and the like.In some embodiments, semiconductor layers as used in the presentinvention (including the quantum wells, quantum well barriers, blockinglayers, and the like) include semiconductor materials from theabove-described list.

In some embodiments, light-emitting devices of the present invention areformed using a substrate or growth template and growing or formingsubsequent device active layers on the substrate or growth template. Insome embodiments, the type of substrate or growth template used in thepresent invention is chosen to achieve a particular device structure(e.g., vertical, flip-chip, or top-side contacts, top-side light output,substrate light output, or the like), achieve a particular light-outputwavelength, to reduce cost for high-volume manufacturing, or to optimizeperformance. In some embodiments, the substrate or growth templateincludes silicon, sapphire, silicon carbide, zinc oxide, spinel, GaAs,GaN, InP, MgAl₂O₄, AlN, GaP, MgO, LiGaO₂, LiAlO₂, NdGaO₃, ScAlMgO₄,Ca₈La₂(PO₄)₆O₂, Zr, Hf, ScN, TiN, NbN, Zr_(x)Hf_((1-x))B₂ orZr_(x)Hf_((1-x))N where x is between 0 and 1, inclusive, and the like.In some embodiments, the substrate is optionally removed by varioustechniques including laser liftoff, wet etching, dry etching, or thelike.

In some embodiments, a buffer layer or buffer structure is formeddirectly on the substrate prior to growing active device layers toprovide material having device quality material characteristics (e.g.,surface roughness, dislocation density, lattice constant, and the like)upon which to grow subsequent active device layers. In some embodiments,buffer layers used in the present invention include doped and undopedsemiconductor layers, conductive layers, insulating layers or anycombinations of semiconductor, conducting and insulating layers or thelike. In some embodiments, the buffer layer may include p-doped GaN,n-doped GaN, intrinsically doped GaN (unintentionally doped GaN), SiGe,AlN, ZrN, Al, SiO₂, Si₃N₄, GaO, combinations and multiple layers, or thelike. In some embodiments, the buffer layer includes an intrinsicallydoped GaN layer grown having a thickness of about 2 microns grown on thesubstrate and in some other embodiments the buffer layer includes asilicon-doped GaN (i.e., n-doped GaN) layer grown on the substrate andhaving a thickness of about 2 microns.

In some embodiments, the light-emitting device includes a grownepitaxial metal mirror (GEMM) that can be formed directly on thesubstrate or growth template, on the buffer layer, or on other layers ofthe device structure that have device-quality characteristics. In someembodiments, the GEMM may be grown fully non-transparent and highlyreflective as per its bulk-material properties or may be grownsemi-transparent to fit the requirements of different device structuresby simply adjusting the GEMM growth time, and thus thickness duringepitaxy. In some embodiments, the materials used for the GEMM closelymatch the lattice constant of the III-nitride layers and havedevice-quality characteristics. In some embodiments, GEMM layers have anumber of advantages over conventional light-emitting device structurecomponents such as Distributed Bragg Reflectors (DBRs) or non-epitaxialmirrors. For example, GEMM layers may not require the layering ofnumerous alternating semiconductor materials, like DBRs, that may createdefects and cracks. Additionally, the GEMM layer may be used as aconductive layer to increase electrical current injection and currentdistribution. Furthermore, the superior current distribution may improveelectrostatic-discharge reliability. In some embodiments, the thicknessof the GEMM layer is between about 1 nm and about 150 nm, such that theGEMM layer is partially transmissive. In some embodiments, the thicknessof the GEMM layer is between about 150 nm and about 1 micron, such thatthe GEMM layer is highly reflective.

In some embodiments, the GEMM layer may include refractory metals and/ormetallic compounds, such as the Group IVB metals Zr, Hf,(Hf_(x)Zr_(1-x), where x is between 0 and 1, inclusive), and thetransitional metal diborides ZrB₂, HfB₂, YB₂ and (Hf_(x) Zr_(y) Y_(z) B₂where x+y+z=1, and x and y and z are each between 0 and 1, inclusive)and the transitional metal nitrides ZrN, HfN, TiN, YZrN and (Hf_(x)Zr_(y) Y_(z) N where x+y+z=1, and x and y and z are each between 0 and1, inclusive).

In some embodiments, the material for the GEMM comprises various metalsand metal compounds which may be grown closely lattice matched to thesubstrate or growth template, or the buffer layer, or other layerslocated in the light-emitting device and having sufficient devicequality, thereby avoiding the difficulties and reduced deviceperformance caused by high dislocation densities. In some embodiments,the GEMM materials are thermal-expansion matched to the substrate orgrowth template, or the buffer layer, or other layers located in thelight-emitting device and having sufficient device quality, therebyreducing the likelihood of cracking and dislocation densities. In someembodiments, the GEMM material layers are grown using Metal-OrganicChemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD), Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD),smart-shuttering metal-modulated closed-loop molecular-beam epitaxy,Organo-Metalic Vapor Phase Epitaxy (OMVPE), Molecular Beam Epitaxy(MBE), Hydride Vapor Phase Epitaxy (HVPE), Physical Vapor Deposition(PVD) and/or the like.

In some embodiments, device-quality GEMM may be used in place of then-type III-nitride layer bounding the active region of a conventionalIII-nitride semiconductor light-emitter epitaxial stack. In someembodiment, the GEMM may reduce problematic static-discharge damage.

In some embodiments, the bulk conductivity of the GEMM materials arebetween about 5 times and about 30 times more conductive than themoderately doped n-type III-nitride layers currently incorporated intogroup III-nitride based light-emitting structures. The highly-conductiveproperties of the GEMM may serve to improve the electronic-carriertransport across the device, thereby creating pathways for current toflow, and therefore reduce the impact of unwanted static discharge.

In some embodiments, the light-emitting device of the present inventionincludes an active region formed in the device structure for the purposeof generating light, and the active region includes one or moresemiconducting materials in which electrically excited electrons combinewith holes to generate photons having a specific wavelength. In someembodiments, the active region of the light-emitting device can includea double heterojunction, or a quantum-well (QW) structure or amultiple-quantum-well (MQW) structure. In some embodiments, the doubleheterojunction active region structure includes a layer of InGaN havinga thickness of between about 200 angstroms and about 5 microns,sandwiched between a resonance tunneling barrier (RTB) having athickness of between about 2 angstroms and about 25 angstroms and ap-type GaN (e.g., Mg-doped GaN) layer having a thickness of betweenabout 200 nm and about 5 microns. In some embodiments, the QW activeregion structure includes a layer of InGaN having a thickness of betweenabout 5 angstroms and about 200 angstroms, sandwiched between aresonance tunneling barrier (RTB) having a thickness of between about 2angstroms and about 100 angstroms and a p-type GaN (e.g., Mg-doped GaN)layer having a thickness of between about 200 nm and about 5 microns. Insome embodiments, the MQW active region structure has three QW's andincludes multiple layers of InGaN, each having a thickness of betweenabout 5 angstroms and about 200 angstroms, the first InGaN layersandwiched between a resonance tunneling barrier (RTB) having athickness of between about 2 angstroms and about 50 angstroms and ani-GaN layer having a thickness of between about 25 angstroms and about150 angstroms, the second (i.e., the middle) InGaN layer sandwichedbetween two i-GaN layers each having a thickness of between about 25angstroms and about 150 angstroms, and the third InGaN layer sandwichedbetween an i-GaN layer having a thickness of between about 25 angstromsand about 150 angstroms and p-type GaN (e.g., Mg-doped GaN) layer havinga thickness of between about 200 nm and about 5 microns.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a second mirror thatis located on a side of the active region that is opposite the GEMMlayer. In some embodiments, the second mirror is used to reflect lightemitted by the active region to enhance light output from the deviceand/or to form an optical cavity having an optical cavity length definedby the distance between the GEMM layer and the second mirror. In someembodiments, the second mirror includes at least one of the following: ahighly reflective mirror, a partially reflecting and partiallytransmissive mirror, a GEMM, a Distributed Bragg Reflector (DBR), atransparent conducting mirror (e.g., Indium Tin Oxide (ITO)), aninterfacial mirror, a metal mirror, an interface between a semiconductorand air, or the like. In some embodiments, the second mirror is anyother suitable mirror structure.

As used herein, the term “tunneling barrier GEMM” (“TB-GEMM”) (alsocalled “active region GEMM” (“AR-GEMM”)) refers to a GEMM layer that ispositioned next to a tunneling barrier or RTB and is used to providecharge carriers that tunnel through the tunneling barrier or the RTB. Asused herein, the term “optical-cavity GEMM” (“OC-GEMM”) refers to a GEMMlayer that is used as a second mirror and is not used to provide chargecarriers that tunnel through a tunneling barrier or RTB. In someembodiments, the first GEMM is an AR-GEMM and the second mirror is anOC-GEMM configured to form an optical cavity where an active region islocated between the AR-GEMM and the OC-GEMM.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides an interfacialinsulating layer that is positioned between an AR-GEMM and asemiconductor tunneling barrier or between an AR-GEMM and asemiconductor RTB in order to depin the Fermi level of the semiconductortunneling barrier or semiconductor RTB such that dangling bonds at theinterface of the AR-GEMM and the semiconductor tunneling barrier areterminated and the impact of metal-induced gap states (MIGS) on thesemiconductor Fermi level is reduced. When the Fermi level of thesemiconductor tunneling barrier has been depinned, the work function ofthe AR-GEMM can then be tuned such that the Fermi level of the AR-GEMMcan line up with the first sub-band in the conduction band in the activeregion of the QW or MQW structure to enhance resonance tunneling, or theFermi level of the AR-GEMM can line up with the conduction band of theof the small bandgap semiconductor in the double heterojunction activeregion to enhance resonance tunneling. In some embodiments, thetunneling barrier layer also provides the function of the interfacialinsulating layer, that is, the tunneling barrier layer is used to both“depin” the Fermi level of the active region and to provide thetunneling barrier which selected charge carriers tunnel through to thequantum well sub-band potential. In some embodiments, the interfaciallayer includes a passivating material, for example, a nitride, afluoride, an oxide, an oxynitride, a hydride and/or an arsenide of thesemiconductor; and in some cases may also include a separation layer. Inother embodiments, other insulating materials are used for passivation.In some embodiments, the passivating material may consist essentially ofa monolayer thereof, or in some cases may have a thickness that allows aFermi level of the GEMM to align with a conduction band of thesemiconductor, a valence band of the semiconductor, sub-bands of theactive regions, or be independent of a Fermi level of the semiconductor.In some embodiments, the interfacial layer or the tunneling barrier,when also acting as an interfacial layer, is used to reduce orsubstantially eliminate non-radiative-recombination sites at theinterface between a GEMM layer and a semiconductor layer (includingtunneling barriers, quantum well layers, quantum well blocking layers,and the like).

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a light-emittingdevice that includes a double TB-GEMM/tunneling barrier structure. Thatis, in some embodiments, the active region of the LED includes aTB-GEMM/tunneling barrier structure on each face of the active regionsuch that the first TB-GEMM/tunneling barrier structure on the firstface of the active region is configured to allow electrons to tunnelfrom the first TB-GEMM through the first tunneling barrier and into theelectron potential level of the active region and the secondTB-GEMM/tunneling barrier structure on the opposing second face of theactive region is configured to allow holes to tunnel from the secondTB-GEMM through the second tunneling barrier and into the hole potentiallevel of the active region. In some embodiments, one or both of theseTB-GEMM structures are made thin enough to emit the light generated bythe combinations of holes and electrons in the active region. In someembodiments, the first TB-GEMM/tunneling barrier structure is configuredto allow electrons to tunnel through the first tunneling barrier to theactive region while providing a barrier preventing holes from tunnelingfrom the active region to the first TB-GEMM. In some embodiments, thesecond TB-GEMM/tunneling barrier structure is configured to allow holesto tunnel through the second tunneling barrier to the active regionwhile providing a barrier preventing electrons from tunneling from theactive region to the second TB-GEMM. Thus, these layers are called“tunneling-barrier layers.”

In some embodiments, the present invention provides light-extractionstructures that improve or enhance the light output or extractionefficiency of the light-emitting device, including roughened lightsurfaces, photonic crystals and the like. Any combination oflight-extraction structures may be coupled with the GEMM, includingmultiple variations that may be employed such as combining multiplelight-extraction structures on one or both sides of the active region.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides device structuresutilizing optical-cavity effects for enhanced light extraction thatincludes an active region having an optimized thickness and placementwith respect to light-extraction features and with respect to variousconfigurations. In some embodiments, the device structures with enhancedlight extraction include resonant-cavity light-emitting devices (RCLED)or micro-cavity light-emitting devices (MCLED). In some embodiments, astanding wave is generated by the interference between light emitted bythe active region and light reflected by the GEMM, and/or by theinterference between light emitted by the active region and lightreflected by a second mirror located opposite the GEMM, and/or by theinterference between light reflected by the GEMM and light reflected bysecond mirror located opposite the GEMM. In some embodiments, the activeregion of the light-emitting device is positioned at an antinode of astanding wave generated in the manner previously identified such thatthe extraction efficiency of the light emitting device is improved. Thisenables light to be directed into modes (or a single mode) to increasethe amount of light propagating out of the LED. Light generated byoptical-cavity devices is more directional and spectrally pure comparedto standard LEDs.

In some embodiments, light propagates through the top of the devicestructure, away from the substrate side. In other embodiments, lightpropagates through a transparent substrate at the bottom of the devicestructure in the form of a “Flip Chip”. In some embodiments, the lightexits in a plurality of directions.

As used herein, the term “growth template” refers to a crystallineinterface or substrate onto which epitaxial material is grown.

As used herein, the term “resonant cavity” refers to a resonant opticalcavity used to enhance light output in a solid-state light-emittingdevice. For example, in some embodiments, a resonant cavity is formedbetween an MQW active region and a reflector spaced a small distanceaway such that the light reflecting between the MQW active region andthe reflector form an optical mode that is preferred over otherenergy-depleting mechanisms. In some embodiments, the resonant cavity isformed between the first mirror spaced a distance from one side of theMQW and the MQW, between the second mirror spaced a distance from theother side of the MQW and the MQW, or between the first mirror and thesecond mirror.

As used herein, the term “microcavity” refers to a very small resonantoptical cavity used to enhance light output in a solid-statelight-emitting device. For example, in some embodiments, a microcavityis formed between an MQW active region and a reflector spaced a smalldistance away such that the light reflecting between the MQW activeregion and the reflector form an optical mode that is preferred overother energy-depleting mechanisms. In some embodiments, the microcavityis formed between the first mirror spaced a distance from one side ofthe MQW and the MQW, between the second mirror spaced a distance fromthe other side of the MQW and the MQW, or between the first mirror andthe second mirror.

In some embodiments, the light-emitting device structure of the presentinvention, wherein an optical cavity is formed between the TB-GEMM layerand a second mirror, is used to form a semiconductor laser configured tooutput laser light.

As used herein, the term “photonic-crystal-assisted light emitter”refers to a one-dimensional (1D), a two-dimensional (2D), or athree-dimensional (3D) solid-state structure formed according towell-known photonic crystal principles (see, e.g., PHOTONIC CRYSTALS:MOLDING THE FLOW OF LIGHT (SECOND EDITION) by John D. Joannopoulos etal., Princeton University Press; 2^(nd) edition (Feb. 11, 2008), ISBNnumber 13:978-0691124568).

Some embodiments of the invention include an improved LED that employsmaterials and device designs described in, but not limited to, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/882,730 titled III-NITRIDE LIGHT-EMITTINGDEVICES WITH ONE OR MORE RESONANCE REFLECTORS AND REFLECTIVE ENGINEEREDGROWTH TEMPLATES FOR SUCH DEVICES, AND METHODS (Attorney Docket5069.001us1), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entiretyfor all purposes. One material and structure used in some embodiments ofthe device, referred to as an Epitaxially Grown Metal Mirror (calledGEMM herein) is used as an electrode. In some embodiments, the GEMM isalso used as a growth template for subsequent layers and a reflectivemirror to be used as a microcavity light emitter or a resonant-cavitylight emitter or a photonic-crystal-assisted light emitter or the likeor any combination of these structures. In some embodiments, this GEMMlayer is used to inject charge carriers through a barrier or barriersinto the active region at a reduced electron potential compared toinjection electron potentials of conventional LEDs to reduce the voltagerequired to drive a light-emitting diode and assist in the efficientprocess of combination of electrons and holes in the device activeregion.

FIG. 1A is an energy-level diagram 101 of a prior-artmultiple-quantum-well (MQW) device 102 or 103. In this diagram, thefollowing reference numbers refer to:

98=positive charge carrier “hole”

99=electron

112=a buffer layer used to facilitate lattice matching to insulativesubstrate

113=n-GaN

114=the active region as a whole, which includes 114A-114E

114A, 114C, 114E=first, and optionally second and additional quantumwells

114B, 114D=first, and optionally additional quantum well barriers

115=current blocking layer

116=p-type GaN

117=a top-side electrical contact contacting the p-type GaN

122=a buffer layer used to facilitate lattice matching to conductivesubstrate

127=a top-side electrical contact for contacting the TB-GEMM

128=a bottom-side electrical contact

129=an insulating substrate used in some embodiments

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a prior-art MQW device 102 having aninsulative substrate 129. Device 102 is formed by depositing a bufferlayer 112 on substrate 129. A layer of n-GaN 113 is grown on substratebuffer 112 such that the lattice structure of n-GaN 113 matches thelattice structure of substrate buffer 112, in order that n-GaN 113 formsa well-ordered crystal template upon which a high-quality active layer114 can be grown. A p-AlGaN layer 115 is grown on active layer 114, ap-type GaN layer 116 is grown on p-AlGaN layer 115, and a p-contactstructure 117 is formed on p-type GaN layer 116 to provide a compatibleelectrical contact for light-emitting MQW device 102.

FIG. 2C is a block diagram of an MQW device 103 having a conductivesubstrate, according to some embodiments of the present invention.Device 103 is substantially the same as device 102 of FIG. 1A, exceptthat conductive substrate 128 of device 103 replaces substrate 129 ofdevice 102.

FIG. 2A is an energy-level diagram 201 of an MQW device 202 (such asshown in FIG. 2B), or 203 (such as shown in FIG. 2C), or 204 (such asshown in FIG. 2D), or 205 (such as shown in FIG. 2E), or 206 (such asshown in FIG. 2F), or 207 (such as shown in FIG. 2G), or 208 (such asshown in FIG. 2H), or 209 (such as shown in FIG. 2I), according to someembodiments of the present invention. In FIGS. 2A-2I (as well as in therest of the figures in the application), the following reference numbersrefer to:

-   -   98=a “hole”—a positive-charge carrier    -   99=Electron—a negative-charge carrier    -   211=a conducting substrate used in some embodiments    -   212=a buffer layer used to facilitate lattice matching to        insulative substrate    -   214=active region, wherein the SQW, MQW, or heterojunctions are        located    -   214A, 214C, 214E=first, and optionally second and additional        quantum wells between tunneling layers or double hetero-junction        layer(s)    -   214B, 214D=first, and optionally additional quantum well        barriers form additional tunneling layer/i-GaN layers optionally        forming one or more additional quantum wells 214C, 214E and the        like    -   216=top-side p-type GaN (in other embodiments, this could be        n-type GaN)    -   217=a top-side electrical contact contacting the p-type GaN    -   220=bottom-side tunneling-barrier epitaxially grown metal mirror        (TB-GEMM)    -   221=tunneling and barrier layer (in some embodiments, this is        doped, in other embodiments, this is intrinsically doped)    -   222=a buffer layer used to facilitate lattice matching to        conductive substrate    -   225=a top-side optical-cavity epitaxially grown metal mirror        (OC-GEMM)    -   226=a top-side electrical contact for contacting the OC-GEMM    -   227=a top-side electrical contact for contacting the TB-GEMM    -   228=a bottom-side electrical contact    -   229=an insulating substrate used in some embodiments    -   250=top-side TB-GEMM (thick or thin version)    -   255=bottom-side OC-GEMM    -   256=bottom-side p-type GaN for insulating substrate        (alternatively n-type GaN)    -   260=top-side TB-GEMM (thin version)    -   261=the voltage (“V2”) defined as the energy difference between        the conduction sub-band 272 and the Fermi-energy level 270 in        the p-type GaN    -   262=the energy (“hv”) of the emitted photon, which is the energy        difference between conduction sub-band energy level 272 and        valence sub-band energy level 271    -   266=bottom-side p-type GaN for conductive substrate        (alternatively n-type GaN)    -   270=Fermi-level energy in the p-type GaN    -   271=first valence sub-band in the active region    -   272=first conduction sub-band in the active region

In some embodiments, electrons 99 flow (rightward relative to theenergy-level diagram 201 of FIG. 2A, or upward relative to the devices202, 203, 204 or 205 of FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C, FIG. 2D or FIG. 2E,respectively, or downward relative to the devices 206, 207, 208 or 209of FIG. 2F, FIG. 2G, FIG. 2H or FIG. 2I, respectively) at a Fermi-energylevel of the metal composition of TB-GEMM 220 (at or approximately atsub-band energy 272 in order that the electrons tunnel while remainingat the same energy level as on the other side of tunneling-barrierstructure 221). Rather than dropping down in energy into quantum wells(e.g., as the electrons 99 do into QWs 114A, 114C and 114E of FIG. 1A),the electrons 99 in FIG. 2A tunnel through tunneling-barrier layer 221(which allows quantum tunneling but is a barrier to regular electronflow) into quantum well 214A (and in devices having additional quantumwells, into QWs 214C, 214E and the like (in some embodiments, stillfurther quantum wells are fabricated to the right of QW 214E), theseelectrons can also tunnel through the additional tunneling-barrierlayers 214B, 214D and the like). The electrons in QWs 214A, 214C and214E at energy level 272 will then combine with the holes 98 that havebeen flowing (leftward relative to the energy-level diagram 201 of FIG.2A, or downward relative to the devices 202, 203, 204 or 205 of FIG. 2B,FIG. 2C, FIG. 2D or FIG. 2E, respectively, or upward relative to thedevices 206, 207, 208 or 209 of FIG. 2F, FIG. 2G, FIG. 2H or FIG. 2I,respectively) (the electrons drop from sub-band energy level 272 tosub-band energy level 271) and each electron combining with a holecauses a photon to be emitted (having an energy 262 (=hv) of the emittedphoton, which equal to the difference between sub-band energy level 272and sub-band energy level 271).

FIG. 2B is a block diagram of an MQW device 202 having an insulativesubstrate 229, according to some embodiments of the present invention.In some embodiments, device 202 is formed by depositing a buffer layer212 on substrate 229 to obtain a substrate structure 231. In someembodiments, TB-GEMM 220 is grown on substrate structure 231 such thatthe lattice structure of TB-GEMM 220 matches the lattice structure ofsubstrate structure 231, in order that TB-GEMM 220 forms a well-orderedcrystal template upon which a high-quality tunneling-barrier structure221 and active layer 214 can be grown. In some embodiments, aconduction-type III-nitride layer 216 (e.g., in some embodiments, ap-type GaN semiconductor) is grown on active layer 214 (alternativelysome embodiments use a p-type of some other III-nitride material); whilein other embodiments, a different type of device (reversing theconductivity types) is fabricated in which the conductivity type is “n”such that an n-type III-nitride layer 216 is substituted), and ap-contact structure 217 is formed on III-nitride layer 216 to provide acompatible electrical contact for light-emitting MQW device 202. In someembodiments, such as shown in FIG. 2B, the other electrical contact 227for light-emitting MQW device 202 is deposited on an upper-surface shelfof TB-GEMM structure 220. In some embodiments, the device 202 must beetched (e.g., using well-known reactive-ion-etching (RIE) techniques, orinductively coupled-plasma (ICP) etching techniques, orelectron-cyclotron-resonance (ECR) etching techniques, or other suitabletechniques, in order to expose the shelf on TB-GEMM 220 onto whichelectrical contact 227 is formed. In some embodiments, the shelf andcontact 227 are made as small as possible while still providing alow-electrical-resistance contact, in order to maximize the exposed areaof active region 214 from which light can be emitted. Similarly, in someembodiments, contact 217 is made as small as possible (and/or is made ofthin and/or transparent material, such as indium-tin oxide (ITO)) whilestill providing a low-electrical-resistance contact, in order tomaximize the exposed area of active region 214 from which light isemitted. Note that the region between line 2A and line 2A′ inenergy-level diagram of FIG. 2A corresponds to the physical regionbetween line 2A and line 2A′ in FIG. 2B. Note that in some embodimentsof device 202, the light from active region 214 is emitted through thevarious layers and out the top of p-GaN layer 216 (and, if soconfigured, through at least a portion of electrical contact 217).

FIG. 2C is a block diagram of an MQW device 203 having a conductivesubstrate, according to some embodiments of the present invention.Device 203 is substantially the same as device 202 of FIG. 2A, exceptthat substrate structure 232 of device 203 replaces substrate structure231 of device 202. In some embodiments, electrically conductingsubstrate structure 232 includes an electrically conducting buffer layer222 grown on an electrically conducting substrate 211, and at some pointin processing, an electrical contact layer 228, which is formed on anopposite major face of substrate 211. This electrically conductingsubstrate structure 232, in some embodiments, provides a larger andlower-resistance electrical contact that does not require the loss oflight-emitting area that occurs when using a top-side electrical contact227 rather than bottom-side electrical contact 228. Other features ofdevice 203 are the same as corresponding features of device 202. Notethat the region between line 2A and line 2A′ depicting energy levels inFIG. 2A corresponds to the physical region between line 2A and line 2A′in FIG. 2C.

FIG. 2D is a block diagram of an MQW device 204 having an insulativesubstrate and an optical cavity, according to some embodiments of thepresent invention. In some embodiments, device 204 is substantially thesame as device 202 of FIG. 2B, except that an optical-cavity GEMM(OC-GEMM) structure 225 has been added on top of layer 216, and acompatible electrical contact 226 has been formed on OC-GEMM structure225, both of which replace top-side p-contact structure 217 of FIG. 2B.In some embodiments, the thickness of the p-type III-nitride layer 216is selected such that the active region 214 is positioned a firstdistance away from a first face of the OC-GEMM structure 225 (a mirror)such that the active region 214 is located at, or substantially at, anantinode of a first standing optical wave produced by interference oflight emitted from the active region 214 with light reflected by theOC-GEMM structure 225 to form at least one extraction mode. In variousembodiments, the active region 214, p-GaN region 216 and OC-GEMMstructure 225 are configured in various ways described in more detail incopending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/882,730, filed Aug. 3,2007, titled III-NITRIDE LIGHT-EMITTING DEVICES WITH ONE OR MORERESONANCE REFLECTORS AND REFLECTIVE ENGINEERED GROWTH TEMPLATES FOR SUCHDEVICES, AND METHODS (Attorney Docket 5069.001us1), which isincorporated herein by reference. Other features of device 204 are thesame as corresponding features of device 202.

FIG. 2E is a block diagram of an MQW device 205 having a conductivesubstrate and an optical cavity, according to some embodiments of thepresent invention. In some embodiments, device 205 is substantially thesame as device 203 of FIG. 2C, except that an optical-cavity GEMM(OC-GEMM) structure 225 has been added on top of p-GaN layer 216, and acompatible electrical contact 226 has been formed on OC-GEMM structure225, both of which replace top-side p-contact structure 217 of FIG. 2C.In some embodiments, the thickness of the p-type III-nitride layer 216is selected such that the active region 214 is positioned a firstdistance away from a first face of the OC-GEMM structure 225 (a mirror)such that the active region 214 is located at, or substantially at, anantinode of a first standing optical wave produced by interference oflight emitted from the active region 214 with light reflected by theOC-GEMM structure 225 to form at least one extraction mode. Otherfeatures of device 205 are the same as corresponding features of devices203 and 204 described above.

FIG. 2F is a block diagram of an MQW device 206 having an insulativesubstrate wherein light, in some embodiments, is emitted through thesubstrate. In some embodiments, device 206 is substantially the same asdevice 202 of FIG. 2B, except that TB-GEMM 250, tunneling barrier 221,active region 214 and bottom-side p-GaN layer 256 are deposited in thereverse order that top-side p-GaN layer 216, active region 214,tunneling barrier 221, and TB-GEMM structure 220 were deposited indevice 202 described above. In some embodiments, bottom-side p-GaN layer256 is grown on substrate structure 231 such that the lattice structureof bottom-side p-GaN layer 256 matches the lattice structure ofsubstrate structure 231, in order that bottom-side p-GaN layer 256 formsa well-ordered crystal template upon which a high-quality active region214 and tunneling-barrier structure 221 can be grown. In someembodiments, a conduction-type III-nitride layer 256 is grown on bufferlayer 212 (e.g., in some embodiments, layer 256 is a p-type GaNsemiconductor (alternatively some embodiments use a p-type of some otherIII-nitride material); while in other embodiments, a different type ofdevice (reversing the conductivity types) is fabricated in which theconduction type is “n” such that an n-type III-nitride layer 256 issubstituted). In some embodiments, active layer 214 is then formed,followed by growing tunneling barrier 221, and a TB-GEMM structure 250,onto which a contact 227 is deposited to provide a compatible electricalcontact for light-emitting MQW device 206. In some embodiments, such asshown in FIG. 2F, the other electrical contact 217 for light-emittingMQW device 206 is deposited on an upper-surface shelf of p-GaN structure256. In some embodiments, the device 206 is etched to expose the shelfof p-GaN structure 256 onto which electrical contact 217 is formed. Insome embodiments, the shelf and contact 217 are made as small aspossible while still providing a low-electrical-resistance contact, inorder to maximize the exposed area of active region 214 from which lightis emitted. In some embodiments that emit light out the bottom of device206, contact 217 need not be made as small as possible while stillproviding a low-electrical-resistance contact, since active region 214emits light out the bottom of device 206. Note that in some embodimentsof device 206, the light from active region 214 is emitted through thevarious layers and out the bottom of substrate 229. Other features ofdevice 206 are the same as corresponding features of device 202. Notethat the region between line 2A and line 2A′ in the energy-level diagramof FIG. 2A corresponds to the physical region between line 2A and line2A′ in FIG. 2F.

FIG. 2G is a block diagram of an MQW device 207 having a conductivesubstrate and a thin top-side GEMM structure 260 that allows light to beemitted through it and out the top of the device 207, according to someembodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, device 207 issubstantially the same as device 203 of FIG. 2C, except that TB-GEMM260, tunneling barrier 221, active region 214 and bottom-side p-GaNlayer 266 are deposited in the reverse order that top-side p-GaN layer216, active region 214, tunneling barrier 221, and TB-GEMM structure 220were deposited in device 203 described above. In some embodiments,bottom-side p-GaN layer 266 is grown on substrate structure 232 suchthat the lattice structure of bottom-side p-GaN layer 266 matches thelattice structure of substrate structure 232, in order that bottom-sidep-GaN layer 266 forms a well-ordered crystal template upon which ahigh-quality active region 214 and tunneling-barrier structure 221 canbe grown. In some embodiments, a conduction-type III-nitride layer 266(e.g., in some embodiments, a p-type GaN semiconductor) is grown onbuffer layer 222. In some embodiments, active layer 214 is then formed,followed by growing tunneling barrier 221, and a TB-GEMM structure 260,onto which a contact 227 is deposited to provide a compatible electricalcontact for light-emitting MQW device 207. In some embodiments, such asshown in FIG. 2G, the other electrical contact 228 for light-emittingMQW device 207 is deposited on a bottom surface of substrate structure232. In some embodiments, contact 227 is made as small as possible whilestill providing a low-electrical-resistance contact, in order tomaximize the exposed area of active region 214 from which light can beemitted. Note that in some embodiments of device 207, the light fromactive region 214 is emitted through the various layers and out the topof thin top-side TB-GEMM structure 260. In other embodiments, light isemitted out the bottom when a suitable substrate (e.g., doped siliconcarbide) is used for substrate 211. Other features of device 207 are thesame as corresponding features of device 203. Note that the regionbetween line 2A and line 2A′ in the energy-level diagram of FIG. 2Acorresponds to the physical region between line 2A and line 2A′ in FIG.2G.

FIG. 2H is a block diagram of an MQW device 208 having an insulativesubstrate structure 231, a thin bottom-side OC-GEMM structure 255 toform an optical cavity wherein light, in some embodiments, is emittedthrough the bottom-side OC-GEMM structure 255 and through the substratestructure 231, according to some embodiments of the present invention.Thus, in some embodiments, device 208 combines the top-side TB-GEMM ofFIG. 2F with the OC-GEMM of FIG. 2D. In some embodiments, the top-sideTB-GEMM structure 250 is made suitably thin in order to emit light outthe top of device 208. In other embodiments, the bottom-side OC-GEMMstructure 255 is made suitably thin in order to emit light out thebottom of device 208. In other embodiments, both TB-GEMM 250 and OC-GEMM255 are made thin to emit light out both the top and bottom of device208. Other features of device 208 are the same as corresponding featuresof devices 202, 204 or 206.

FIG. 2I is a block diagram of an MQW device 209 having a conductivesubstrate structure 232, a thin bottom-side OC-GEMM structure 255 toform an optical cavity with top-side TB-GEMM structure 260, whereinlight, in some embodiments, is emitted through the bottom-side OC-GEMMstructure 255 and the substrate structure 232, according to someembodiments of the present invention. Thus, in some embodiments, device209 combines the top-side TB-GEMM of FIG. 2G with the OC-GEMM of FIG.2E. In some embodiments, the top-side TB-GEMM structure 260 is madesuitably thin in order to emit light out the top of device 209. In otherembodiments, the bottom-side OC-GEMM structure 255 is made suitably thinin order to emit light out the bottom of device 209. Other features ofdevice 209 are the same as corresponding features of devices 203, 205 or207.

In some embodiments, the present invention enables the injection ofelectrons or holes into the active region 214 by tunneling through atunneling barrier and at the electron or hole potential or sub-bandenergy of the active region, thereby reducing the required operatingvoltage, and relaxing the requirement for current-blocking layers (suchas layer 115 of FIG. 1B) commonly used in the p-type side ofconventional LED devices (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C). Insome embodiments, lower LED operating voltages are favored for thebenefits of reduced energy consumption. Moreover, less complex LEDmanufacturing processes are desired, which are achieved in someembodiments by eliminating the requirement for a p-type current-blockinglayer (i.e., p-AlGaN layer 115 in FIG. 1A).

Conventional group III-Nitride LEDs require that electrons are injectedinto the semiconducting device such that the electrons are at theconduction-band minimum level of the n-type layer (99) as shown in FIG.1A, and this level determines the applied voltage that is required tooperate the LED. In some embodiments of the present invention, theelectrons are injected directly at the active region electron potential(e.g., the sub-band energy) via quantum mechanical tunneling into theactive region and therefore, the voltage required to operate the LED maybe substantially lower than the voltage required to operate conventionalLEDs. In some embodiments, the injected electrons are less likely topass over the quantum wells into the p-type materials therebyeliminating or substantially reducing the number of electrons that areunintentionally injected into the p-type materials where their energy islost in the form of heat generation.

In some embodiments, the present invention injects electrons directly atthe electron potential (e.g., the sub-band energy level 272) of theactive region and directly improves the device performance and reducesenergy consumption by reducing the voltage required to drive or operatethe LED. In some embodiments, the electron-potential level in the activeregion 214 is lower than that of the conduction-band minimum of thep-type layer (216). In some embodiments, an LED (202, 203) of thepresent invention emitting light at a wavelength of 520 nm, theoperating voltage of the LED is reduced by approximately 1 Volt, orapproximately 70% of a conventional LED operating voltage. In someembodiments, injecting electrons directly at the electron potential ofthe active region results in the electrons tunneling through one or morebarriers (221, 214D, 214E) into the active region quantum wells (214A,214B, 214C), and the operating voltage is reduced compared to a standardconventional LED, and the requirement for the p-type electron-blockinglayer (e.g., p-AlGaN layer 115 in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C) is removed orrelaxed.

In some embodiments, lower operating voltages achieved by theepitaxial/device structures of the present invention result in less heatgeneration and are thus preferred over the currently-existingconventional III-Nitride LEDs because lower heat generation is desireddue to the negative effects heat has on device efficiency and theoperational lifetime of an LED device.

In conventional LEDs, the p-type current-blocking layer (e.g., p-AlGaN115 of FIG. 1A) is cumbersome to grow in epitaxial processes for severalreasons (e.g., time, material costs, epitaxy chamber cleaning, deviceoptimization during process development, and the like). In someembodiments, the present invention relaxes or removes the requirementfor this current-blocking layer, due to the fact that charge carriers(i.e., electrons or holes) are less likely to pass the active region andget consumed in the semiconductor material located outside of the activeregion (e.g., p-type or n-type semiconductor materials).

In some embodiments, the present invention provides an LED structurebased on a metallic current injector (e.g., TB-GEMM 220) and an activeregion 214 separated by a charge-carrier resonance-tunneling barrier221. In some embodiments, the charge-carrier resonance-tunneling-barrierstructure 221 is substantially transparent for quantum-tunnelingelectrons and is blocking for holes (thus the name “tunneling-barrier”structure). In some other embodiments, the charge-carrierresonance-tunneling barrier 221 is substantially transparent forquantum-tunneling holes and blocking for electrons. In some embodiments,the active region 214 includes a single-quantum-well (SQW) structure ora multiple-quantum-well (MQW) structure or a double heterojunction.

In some embodiments, resonance tunneling between the metal currentinjector (e.g., TB-GEMM 220) and an active region 214 may occur when theFermi-energy potential of the metal current injector 220 is equal to, orsubstantially equal to, the energy potential of the sub-band minimum ofthe active region 214. In some embodiments, this is achieved byselecting both the active-region alloy composition and a suitable QWwidth in the active region and by selecting and/or adjusting the metalcurrent injector 220 composition, thus modifying the associated workfunction of the material. In some embodiments, an interfacial layer isprovided between the metal current injector 220 and the tunnelingbarrier 221 in order to depin the Fermi level of the tunneling barrier221.

In some embodiments, it is important that thermally-activated holes donot tunnel into the metal current injector 220. In some embodiments,this is prevented or substantially reduced by appropriately adjustingthe thickness of the charge-carrier resonance-tunneling barrier 221.

In some embodiments, the invention—an improved LED—injects electronsinto the active region 214 at a lower energy by tunneling through atunneling barrier 221. In some embodiments, the layer connected to theGaN—the source of the electrons into the GaN layer 221—is an epitaxiallygrown metal mirror (TB-GEMM) 220. In some embodiments, the TB-GEMM layer220 is engineered to achieve a particular performance requirement orfunction and therefore can have various thicknesses and opticalproperties. In some embodiments, the TB-GEMM 220 is electricallyconducting and possesses a work function appropriate for injectingelectrons into the quantum well's conduction band or sub-band. In someembodiments, the TB-GEMM 220 includes one or more of the materialsincluding Hf, Zr, HfB₂, ZrB₂, HfN_(x), or ZrN_(x), or the like, or anycombined compound or composition or combination of these materials. Insome embodiments, any material that is electrically conductive and ametal with an appropriate work function as described above are used forthe TB-GEMM 220 layer. In some embodiments, the material of the TB-GEMM220 is lattice matched to the epitaxial structure of the LED device. Insome embodiments, the tunneling barrier layer 221 has an appropriatedoping level (n or p) to allow for injecting electrons or holes into thequantum well's conduction band or sub-band minimum and assists inblocking charge carriers from traveling from the active layer 214 intothe metal layer 220. One such version is shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C.FIG. 1A and FIG. 2A can be used to compare the required potentials (V1161 and V2 261) to drive the LEDs (i.e., V1 161 of FIG. 1A is greaterthan V2 261 of FIG. 2A).

In some embodiments, due to the structure of the LED as described inFIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, a blocking layer (e.g., the p-AlGaN layer 115 asshown in FIG. 1A) is optionally included to block electrons in thequantum-well region because fewer electrons travel past the QW. In someembodiments, the p-type layer 216 in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C includes p-GaN,p-AlGaN, p-InGaN, p-InGaAlN p-HfGaN, p-ZrGaN, and/or ScAlGaN, or thelike, or any suitable variation of multiple layers mentioned herein.

In some embodiments, the active region 214 in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2Cincludes GaN, AlGaN, InGaN, InGaAlN HfGaN, ZrGaN, and/or ScAlGaN, or thelike, or any variation of multiple layers mentioned herein and, in someembodiments, the active region 214 is doped with silicon or magnesium orthe like.

In some embodiments, the tunneling barrier layer 221 and/or theadditional barrier layers (214B and 214D) in FIG. 2A include GaN, AlGaN,InGaN, InGaAlN HfGaN, ZrGaN, or ScAlGaN, and/or the like, or anyvariation of multiple layers mentioned herein, and in some embodiments,the tunneling barrier layer 221 is doped with silicon or magnesium orthe like.

In some embodiments, the layers 214A, 214C, 214E in FIGS. 2B-2I are usedas either quantum wells or lower-electron-potential layers in order toassist in the electron tunneling from the metal layer (TB-GEMM 220) intothe active-region quantum wells (214A, 214C, 214E and the like). In someembodiments, the quantum well (214E) nearest to the p-type materialsgenerally has the largest population of the combination of electrons andholes, and its position with respect to the metal layer (220) and itsposition with respect to the light-exiting surface of the device, asdescribed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/882,730, are criticalto some embodiments of the device design. In some embodiments, anysuitable number of tunneling barriers 214B, 214D andlower-electron-potential layers/quantum wells 214A, 214C, 214E are usedto separate the primary active region (e.g., the last quantum well 214E)at a suitable distance from the metal layer (TB-GEMM 220) to improvelight extraction, as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/882,730, which is incorporated herein by reference.

In some embodiments, the TB-GEMM layer (220) is grown on silicon (Si),sapphire (single-crystal Al₂O₃), GaN/Sapphire, SiC, or ZnO or any othersuitable lattice-matched substrate. In some embodiments, the GEMM layer(220) is grown on a non-lattice-matched substrate and/or glass. In someembodiments, the invention utilizes microcavity effects which depend onthe distance between the GEMM and the active region, as described inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/882,730, which is incorporatedherein by reference.

FIG. 3A is an energy-level diagram 301 of an MQW device 302 or 303,according to some embodiments of the present invention. In FIGS. 3A-3I,most of the reference numbers are the same as described above for FIGS.2A-2I, wherein the following additional reference number which refersto:

323=insulating interfacial layer

In FIG. 3A, energy-level diagram 301 includes a representation ofinterfacial insulating layer 323. In some embodiments, interfacialinsulating layer 323 is used to “depin” the Fermi-energy level of thetunneling barrier 221 (e.g., passivate its surface states, danglingbonds, and reduce or eliminate MIGS (metal-induced gap states, asdescribed above)), in order to allow the metal work function of theTB-GEMM 220 to properly align with the sub-band-energy level 272 of theMQW 214. All other aspects of FIGS. 3A-3I are as described above for thecorresponding FIGS. 2A-2I.

FIG. 3B is a block diagram of an MQW device 302 having an interfacialinsulating layer 323, as described above for FIG. 3A, according to someembodiments of the present invention. All other aspects of FIG. 3B areas described above for FIG. 2B.

FIG. 3C is a block diagram of an MQW device 303 having an interfacialinsulating layer 323, as described above for FIG. 3A, according to someembodiments of the present invention. All other aspects of FIG. 3C areas described above for FIG. 2C.

FIG. 3D is a block diagram of an MQW device 304 having an interfacialinsulating layer 323, as described above for FIG. 3A, according to someembodiments of the present invention. All other aspects of FIG. 3D areas described above for FIG. 2D.

FIG. 3E is a block diagram of an MQW device 305 having an interfacialinsulating layer 323, as described above for FIG. 3A, according to someembodiments of the present invention. All other aspects of FIG. 3E areas described above for FIG. 2E.

FIG. 3F is a block diagram of an MQW device 306 having an interfacialinsulating layer 323, as described above for FIG. 3A, according to someembodiments of the present invention. All other aspects of FIG. 3F areas described above for FIG. 2F.

FIG. 3G is a block diagram of an MQW device 307 having an interfacialinsulating layer 323, as described above for FIG. 3A, according to someembodiments of the present invention. All other aspects of FIG. 3G areas described above for FIG. 2G.

FIG. 3H is a block diagram of an MQW device 308 having an interfacialinsulating layer 323, as described above for FIG. 3A, according to someembodiments of the present invention. All other aspects of FIG. 3H areas described above for FIG. 2H.

FIG. 3I is a block diagram of an MQW device 309 having an interfacialinsulating layer 323, as described above for FIG. 3A, according to someembodiments of the present invention. All other aspects of FIG. 3I areas described above for FIG. 2I.

In some embodiments of each of the other embodiments described herein,an interfacial insulating layer 323, as described above for FIG. 3A, isadded in a similar manner.

FIG. 4A is an energy-level diagram 401 of an MQW device 402 or 403 thatincludes a blocking layer 418, according to some embodiments of thepresent invention. In some embodiments, blocking layer 418 is a p-dopedAlGaN layer (or a corresponding p-type or n-type layer if othersemiconducting materials are used). In some embodiments, blocking layer418 has a suitably increased bandgap energy to prevent carriers fromtraversing beyond the quantum wells 214A-214E (preventing movementfurther to the right in the FIG. 4A). In some embodiments, thisincreases the recombination efficiency. All other aspects of FIGS. 4A-4Iare as described above for the corresponding FIGS. 2A-2I. In someembodiments of each of the other embodiments described herein, ablocking layer 418, as described above for FIG. 4A, is added in asimilar manner.

FIG. 4B is a block diagram of an MQW device 402, having a blocking layer418, as described above for FIG. 4A, according to some embodiments ofthe present invention. All other aspects of FIG. 4B are as describedabove for FIG. 2B.

FIG. 4C is a block diagram of an MQW device 403 having a blocking layer418, as described above for FIG. 4A, according to some embodiments ofthe present invention. All other aspects of FIG. 4C are as describedabove for FIG. 2C.

FIG. 4D is a block diagram of an MQW device 404 having a blocking layer418, as described above for FIG. 4A, according to some embodiments ofthe present invention. All other aspects of FIG. 4D are as describedabove for FIG. 2D.

FIG. 4E is a block diagram of an MQW device 405 having a blocking layer418, as described above for FIG. 4A, according to some embodiments ofthe present invention. All other aspects of FIG. 4E are as describedabove for FIG. 2E.

FIG. 4F is a block diagram of an MQW device 406 having a blocking layer418, as described above for FIG. 4A, according to some embodiments ofthe present invention. All other aspects of FIG. 4F are as describedabove for FIG. 2F.

FIG. 4G is a block diagram of an MQW device 407 having a blocking layer418, as described above for FIG. 4A, according to some embodiments ofthe present invention. All other aspects of FIG. 4G are as describedabove for FIG. 2G.

FIG. 4H is a block diagram of an MQW device 408 having a blocking layer418, as described above for FIG. 4A, according to some embodiments ofthe present invention. All other aspects of FIG. 4H are as describedabove for FIG. 2H.

FIG. 4I is a block diagram of an MQW device 409 having a blocking layer418, as described above for FIG. 4A, according to some embodiments ofthe present invention. All other aspects of FIG. 4I are as describedabove for FIG. 2I.

FIG. 5A is a block diagram of an MQW device 502 having a TB-GEMM 220grown directly on substrate 229 (wherein substrate 229 forms substratestructure 531 without a buffer layer), according to some embodiments ofthe present invention. All other aspects of FIG. 5A are as describedabove for FIG. 2B. This reduces a process step for those embodiments inwhich a high-quality TB-GEMM 220 can be grown without a buffer layer. Insome embodiments of each of the other embodiments described herein,TB-GEMM 220 is grown without a buffer layer, when it is suitable.

FIG. 5B is a block diagram of an MQW device 503 having a conductivesubstrate, and having a TB-GEMM 220 grown directly on substrate 211(wherein substrate 211 and contact 228 (which is, in some embodiments,formed in a subsequent process step) form substrate structure 532without a buffer layer), according to some embodiments of the presentinvention. All other aspects of FIG. 5B are as described above for FIG.2C.

FIG. 6A is a block diagram of an MQW device 602 having an n-type GaNlayer 676 in place of the corresponding p-type GaN layer 216 of FIG. 2B,according to some embodiments of the present invention. Additionally, insome embodiments, n-contact 677 is used to provide a suitablelow-resistance electrical contact to n-type GaN layer 676. All otheraspects of FIG. 6A are as described above for FIG. 2B. This provides analternative diode structure for those embodiments in which ahighly-doped n-type GaN is suitable (since highly-doped n-type GaN ismore readily achieved than highly-doped p-type GaN). In some embodimentsof each of the other embodiments described herein, such an n-type GaNlayer 676 replaces the corresponding p-type GaN layer 216.

FIG. 6B is a block diagram of an MQW device 603 having a conductivesubstrate structure 232, and having an n-type GaN layer 676 in place ofthe corresponding p-type GaN layer 216 of FIG. 2C, according to someembodiments of the present invention. All other aspects of FIG. 6B areas described above for FIG. 2C.

FIG. 7A is a block diagram of an MQW device 702 having a metal-mirror763 that reflects light and provides electrical contact to p-type GaNlayer 216, and optionally creates an optical cavity between metal-mirror763 and TB-GEMM 220, according to some embodiments of the presentinvention. In some such embodiments, light is output through the bottomside of device 702. All other aspects of FIG. 7A are as described abovefor FIG. 2B. Some embodiments of each of the other embodiments describedherein use such a metal-mirror 763.

FIG. 7B is a block diagram of an MQW device 703 having a conductivesubstrate structure 232 and having a metal-mirror 763, according to someembodiments of the present invention. All other aspects of FIG. 7B areas described above for FIG. 2C.

FIG. 8A is a block diagram of an MQW device 802 having a transparentelectrical contact 864 that transmits light and provides electricalcontact to p-type GaN layer 216, and optionally creates an opticalcavity (due to reflections from the interface between transparentelectrical contact 864 and p-type GaN layer 216, or between transparentelectrical contact 864 and a layer above it), according to someembodiments of the present invention. In some such embodiments, light isoutput through the top side of device 802. All other aspects of FIG. 8Aare as described above for FIG. 2B. In some embodiments of each of theother embodiments described herein, such a transparent electricalcontact 864 is used.

FIG. 8B is a block diagram of an MQW device 803 having a conductivesubstrate, and a transparent electrical contact 864 that transmits lightand provides electrical contact to p-type GaN layer 216, and optionallycreates an optical cavity (due to reflections from the interface betweentransparent electrical contact 864 and p-type GaN layer 216, or betweentransparent electrical contact 864 and a layer above it), according tosome embodiments of the present invention. In some such embodiments,light is output through the top side of device 803. All other aspects ofFIG. 8B are as described above for FIG. 2C.

FIG. 9A is a block diagram of an MQW device 902 having aphotonic-crystal layer 965 that enhances light output and direction,according to some embodiments of the present invention. In someembodiments, photonic-crystal layer 965 is electrically conductive andthe top electrical contact 987 is as shown. In other embodiments, anarea of photonic-crystal layer 965 is removed such that top electricalcontact 987 is connected directly to top p-GaN layer 216. In someembodiments, photonic-crystal layer 965 is not a separate layer, butinstead the photonic-crystal structure is formed in top p-GaN layer 216.In some such embodiments, light is output through the top side of device902. All other aspects of FIG. 9A are as described above for FIG. 2B. Insome embodiments of each of the other embodiments described herein, sucha photonic-crystal layer 965 and top electrical contact 987 are used.

FIG. 9B is a block diagram of an MQW device 903 having a conductivesubstrate, a photonic-crystal layer 965 and a top electrical contact987, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In somesuch embodiments, light is output through the top side of device 903.All other aspects of FIG. 9B are as described above for FIG. 2C.

FIG. 10 is an energy-level diagram 1000 of an MQW device, according tosome embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, astanding wave 1031 is formed by the constructive interference of lightemitted by active layer 1014 and light reflected by mirror 1041 suchthat an antinode 1032 of standing wave 1031 is located at, orsubstantially at, active layer 1014. This advantageous technique isdescribed in detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/882,730,filed Aug. 3, 2007, titled III-NITRIDE LIGHT-EMITTING DEVICES WITH ONEOR MORE RESONANCE REFLECTORS AND REFLECTIVE ENGINEERED GROWTH TEMPLATESFOR SUCH DEVICES, AND METHODS (Attorney Docket 5069.001us1), which isincorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of a method 1100 of making a light-emittingdevice according to some embodiments of the invention, In someembodiments, method 1100 includes forming 1110 a light-emitting activeregion, forming 1112 a tunneling-barrier (TB) structure such that in thelight-emitting device the TB structure is facing adjacent the activeregion, forming 1114 a TB grown-epitaxial-metal-mirror (TB-GEMM)structure such that in the light-emitting device the TB-GEMM structureis facing adjacent the TB structure, wherein the TB-GEMM structureincludes at least one metal and wherein the TB-GEMM structure issubstantially lattice matched to the active region, and forming 1116 aconductivity type III-nitride crystal structure such that in thelight-emitting device the conductivity type III-nitride crystalstructure is facing adjacent the active region opposite the TBstructure. Some embodiments further include forming 1118 acurrent-conducting contact such that in the light-emitting device thecurrent-conducting contact is electrically connected to the conductivitytype III-nitride.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides an apparatus thatincludes a light-emitting device having a light-emitting active region,a tunneling-barrier (TB) structure facing adjacent the active region, aTB grown-epitaxial-metal-mirror (TB-GEMM) structure facing adjacent theTB structure, wherein the TB-GEMM structure includes at least one metaland is substantially lattice-matched to the active region, aconductivity-type III-nitride crystal structure adjacent facing theactive region opposite the TB structure. Some embodiments furtherinclude a current-conducting contact electrically connected to theconductivity-type III-nitride structure.

In some embodiments of the apparatus, the active region includes amultiple-quantum-well (MQW) structure.

In some embodiments of the apparatus, the MQW structure of the activeregion includes quantum-well widths selected to provide a selectedsub-band minimum energy potential, and the TB-GEMM structure includes analloy composition such that metal current injectors have a Fermi energypotential that is substantially equal to the sub-band minimum energypotential of the MQW.

In some embodiments of the apparatus, the light-emitting device furtherincludes a second mirror that is facing adjacent the conductivity-typeIII-nitride structure and facing the TB-GEMM structure to form anoptical cavity between the second mirror and the TB-GEMM structure,wherein the active region is within the optical cavity. In particular,in some embodiments of the light-emitting device, the second mirrorincludes an optical-cavity grown-epitaxial-metal-mirror (OC-GEMM)structure facing adjacent the conductivity-type III-nitride structuresuch that the device has an optical cavity between the OC-GEMM structureand the TB-GEMM structure, wherein the active region is within theoptical cavity. In some such embodiments, the active region ispositioned a first distance away from a first face of the second mirrorsuch that the active region is located at or substantially at anantinode of a first standing optical wave produced by interference oflight emitted from the active region with light reflected by the secondmirror to form at least one extraction mode.

In some embodiments of the apparatus, the light-emitting device furtherincludes a substrate structure, wherein the TB-GEMM structure is facingtouching the substrate structure and is substantially lattice matched toa face of the substrate structure.

In some embodiments of the apparatus that have an OC-GEMM, thelight-emitting device further includes a substrate structure, whereinthe OC-GEMM structure is facing touching the substrate structure and issubstantially lattice matched to a face of the substrate structure.

In some embodiments of the apparatus, the TB-GEMM structure and/or theOC-GEMM structure includes a compound that includes(Hf_(x)Zr_(y)Ti_(z))R where x+y+z=1 and where x is between 0 and 1,inclusive, and where y is between 0 and 1, inclusive, and where z isbetween 0 and 1, inclusive, and wherein R is N or B₂. In otherembodiments, the TB-GEMM structure and/or the OC-GEMM structure includesjust Hf, just Zr, just Ti, or a combination of two or more of Hf, Zr,and/or Ti.

Some embodiments further include an insulating interfacial layer locatedbetween the TB-GEMM structure and the TB structure.

In some embodiments of the apparatus, the light-emitting device furtherincludes an interfacial insulating layer. In some embodiments, theinterfacial insulating layer is used to “depin” the Fermi-energy levelof the tunneling barrier (e.g., passivate its surface states, danglingbonds, and reduce or eliminate MIGS (metal-induced gap states, asdescribed above)), in order to allow the metal work function of theTB-GEMM to properly align with the sub-band-energy level of the MQW.

In some embodiments of the apparatus, the light-emitting device furtherincludes a blocking layer. In some embodiments, the blocking layer is ap-doped AlGaN layer. In other embodiments, the blocking layer is acorresponding p-type or n-type layer if other semiconducting materialsare used. In some embodiments, the blocking layer has a suitablyincreased bandgap energy to prevent carriers from traversing beyond thequantum wells. In some embodiments, this increases the recombinationefficiency.

In some embodiments of the apparatus, the light-emitting device furtherincludes a TB-GEMM that is grown directly on the substrate (wherein thesubstrate structure does not include a buffer layer). This reduces aprocess step for those embodiments in which a high-quality TB-GEMM canbe grown without a buffer layer.

In some embodiments of the apparatus, the light-emitting device furtherincludes a substrate structure that does include a buffer layer suchthat a high-quality TB-GEMM can be grown on a substrate that does notprovide this result without a buffer layer.

In some embodiments of the apparatus, the light-emitting device furtherincludes an n-type GaN layer in place of the corresponding p-type GaNlayer of other embodiments of the present invention. Additionally, insome embodiments, an additional n-contact is used to provide a suitablelow-resistance electrical contact to the n-type GaN layer. This providesan alternative diode structure for those embodiments in which ahighly-doped n-type GaN is suitable (since highly-doped n-type GaN ismore readily achieved than highly-doped p-type GaN).

In some embodiments of the apparatus, the light-emitting device furtherincludes a metal-mirror that reflects light and provides electricalcontact to the p-type GaN layer, and optionally creates an opticalcavity between the metal-mirror and the TB-GEMM. In some suchembodiments, light is output through the bottom side of thelight-emitting device.

In some embodiments of the apparatus, the light-emitting device furtherincludes a transparent electrical contact that transmits light andprovides electrical contact to the p-type GaN layer, and optionallycreates an optical cavity (due to reflections from the interface betweenthe transparent electrical contact and the p-type GaN layer, or betweenthe transparent electrical contact and a layer above it). In some suchembodiments, light is output through the top side of the light-emittingdevice.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes an electrical powersupply that supplies electrical power to the light emitting device, aswell as other aspects of an overall system (e.g., the components of ahigh-definition television, laser printer, street light, trafficsemaphore stop lights, automobile headlights, and other lighting and/orfunctional equipment that utilizes the light output of the lightemitting device.

In some embodiments of the apparatus, the light-emitting device furtherincludes a photonic-crystal layer that enhances light output anddirection. In some embodiments, the photonic-crystal layer iselectrically conductive and a top electrical contact is added on it. Inother embodiments, an area of the photonic-crystal layer is removed suchthat a top electrical contact is connected directly to the top p-GaNlayer. In some embodiments, the photonic-crystal structure is not aseparate layer, but instead is formed in the top p-GaN layer. In somesuch embodiments, light is output through the top side of thelight-emitting device.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method for makinga light-emitting device. This method includes forming a light-emittingactive region, forming a tunneling-barrier (TB) structure such that inthe light-emitting device the TB structure is facing adjacent the activeregion, forming a TB grown-epitaxial-metal-mirror (TB-GEMM) structuresuch that in the light-emitting device the TB-GEMM structure is facingadjacent the TB structure, wherein the TB-GEMM structure includes atleast one metal and wherein the TB-GEMM structure is substantiallylattice matched to the active region, forming a conductivity typeIII-nitride crystal structure such that in the light-emitting device theconductivity type III-nitride crystal structure is facing adjacent theactive region opposite the TB structure. Some embodiments furtherinclude forming a current-conducting contact such that in thelight-emitting device the current-conducting contact is electricallyconnected to the conductivity type III-nitride.

In some embodiments of the method, the forming of the active regionincludes forming a multiple-quantum-well (MQW) structure.

In some embodiments of the method, the forming of the MQW structure ofthe active region includes forming quantum-well widths selected toprovide a selected sub-band minimum energy potential, and the TB-GEMMstructure includes an alloy composition such that metal currentinjectors have a Fermi energy potential that is substantially equal tothe sub-band minimum energy potential of the MQW.

Some embodiments of the method further include forming a second mirrorsuch that in the light-emitting device the second mirror is facingadjacent the conductivity-type III-nitride structure and facing theTB-GEMM structure to form an optical cavity between the second mirrorand the TB-GEMM structure, wherein the active region is within theoptical cavity.

Some embodiments of the method further include forming a second mirrorcomprising an optical-cavity grown-epitaxial-metal-mirror (OC-GEMM)structure, such that in the light-emitting device the OC-GEMM structureis facing adjacent the conductivity-type III-nitride structure and formsan optical cavity between the OC-GEMM structure and the TB-GEMMstructure, wherein the active region is within the optical cavity.

In some embodiments of the method, the light-emitting device is formedsuch that in the light-emitting device the active region is located afirst distance away from a first face of the second mirror such that theactive region is located at or substantially at an antinode of a firststanding optical wave produced by interference of light emitted from theactive region with light reflected by the second mirror to form at leastone extraction mode.

Some embodiments of the method further include providing a substratestructure, and forming the TB-GEMM structure on, and facing touching,the substrate structure and is substantially lattice matched to a faceof the substrate structure.

Some embodiments of the method further include providing a substratestructure, and forming the OC-GEMM structure on, and facing touching,the substrate structure and is substantially lattice matched to a faceof the substrate structure.

In some embodiments of the method, the TB-GEMM structure includes acompound that includes (Hf_(x)Zr_(y)Ti_(z))R where x+y+z=1 and where xis between 0 and 1, inclusive, and where y is between 0 and 1,inclusive, and where z is between 0 and 1, inclusive, and wherein R is Nor B₂. In other embodiments, the TB-GEMM structure and/or the OC-GEMMstructure includes just Hf, just Zr, just Ti, or a combination of two ormore of Hf, Zr, and/or Ti.

Some embodiments of the method further include forming an insulatinginterfacial layer such that in the light-emitting device the interfaciallayer is located between the TB-GEMM structure and the TB structure.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative, and not restrictive. Although numerous characteristics andadvantages of various embodiments as described herein have been setforth in the foregoing description, together with details of thestructure and function of various embodiments, many other embodimentsand changes to details will be apparent to those of skill in the artupon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should,therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, alongwith the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Inthe appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used asthe plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and“wherein,” respectively. Moreover, the terms “first,” “second,” and“third,” etc., are used merely as labels, and are not intended to imposenumerical requirements on their objects.

1. An apparatus comprising: a light-emitting device that includes: alight-emitting active region; a tunneling-barrier (TB) structure facingadjacent the active region; a TB grown-epitaxial-metal-mirror (TB-GEMM)structure facing adjacent the TB structure, wherein the TB-GEMMstructure includes at least one metal and is substantiallylattice-matched to the active region; a conductivity-type III-nitridecrystal structure adjacent facing the active region opposite the TBstructure; and a current-conducting contact electrically connected tothe conductivity-type III-nitride structure.
 2. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the active region includes a multiple-quantum-well (MQW)structure.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the MQW structure of theactive region includes quantum-well widths selected to provide aselected sub-band minimum energy potential, and wherein the TB-GEMMstructure includes an alloy composition such that metal currentinjectors have a Fermi energy potential that is substantially equal tothe sub-band minimum energy potential of the MQW.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the light-emitting device further comprises: a secondmirror that is facing adjacent the conductivity-type III-nitridestructure and facing the TB-GEMM structure to form an optical cavitybetween the second mirror and the TB-GEMM structure, wherein the activeregion is within the optical cavity.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the light-emitting device further comprises: a second mirrorcomprising an optical-cavity grown-epitaxial-metal-mirror (OC-GEMM)structure that is facing adjacent the conductivity-type III-nitridestructure and which forms an optical cavity between the OC-GEMMstructure and the TB-GEMM structure, wherein the active region is withinthe optical cavity.
 6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the activeregion is positioned a first distance away from a first face of thesecond mirror such that the active region is located at or substantiallyat an antinode of a first standing optical wave produced by interferenceof light emitted from the active region with light reflected by thesecond mirror to form at least one extraction mode.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the light-emitting device further comprises: asubstrate structure, wherein the TB-GEMM structure is facing touchingthe substrate structure and is substantially lattice matched to a faceof the substrate structure.
 8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein thelight-emitting device further comprises: a substrate structure, whereinthe OC-GEMM structure is facing touching the substrate structure and issubstantially lattice matched to a face of the substrate structure. 9.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the TB-GEMM structure comprises: acompound that includes (Hf_(x)Zr_(y)Ti_(z))R where x+y+z=1 and where xis between 0 and 1, inclusive, and where y is between 0 and 1,inclusive, and where z is between 0 and 1, inclusive, and wherein R is Nor B₂.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an insulatinginterfacial layer located between the TB-GEMM structure and the TBstructure.
 11. A method for making a light-emitting device, the methodcomprising: forming a light-emitting active region; forming atunneling-barrier (TB) structure such that in the light-emitting devicethe TB structure is facing adjacent the active region; forming a TBgrown-epitaxial-metal-mirror (TB-GEMM) structure such that in thelight-emitting device the TB-GEMM structure is facing adjacent the TBstructure, wherein the TB-GEMM structure includes at least one metal andwherein the TB-GEMM structure is substantially lattice matched to theactive region; forming a conductivity type III-nitride crystal structuresuch that in the light-emitting device the conductivity type III-nitridecrystal structure is facing adjacent the active region opposite the TBstructure; and forming a current-conducting contact such that in thelight-emitting device the current-conducting contact is electricallyconnected to the conductivity type III-nitride.
 12. The method of claim11, wherein the forming of the active region includes forming amultiple-quantum-well (MQW) structure.
 13. The method of claim 11,wherein the forming of the MQW structure of the active region includesforming quantum-well widths selected to provide a selected sub-bandminimum energy potential, and wherein the TB-GEMM structure includes analloy composition such that metal current injectors have a Fermi energypotential that is substantially equal to the sub-band minimum energypotential of the MQW.
 14. The method of claim 11, further comprisingforming a second mirror such that in the light-emitting device thesecond mirror is facing adjacent the conductivity-type III-nitridestructure and facing the TB-GEMM structure to form an optical cavitybetween the second mirror and the TB-GEMM structure, wherein the activeregion is within the optical cavity.
 15. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising forming a second mirror comprising an optical-cavitygrown-epitaxial-metal-mirror (OC-GEMM) structure, such that in thelight-emitting device the OC-GEMM structure is facing adjacent theconductivity-type III-nitride structure and forms an optical cavitybetween the OC-GEMM structure and the TB-GEMM structure, wherein theactive region is within the optical cavity.
 16. The method of claim 14,wherein the light-emitting device is formed such that in thelight-emitting device the active region is located a first distance awayfrom a first face of the second mirror such that the active region islocated at or substantially at an antinode of a first standing opticalwave produced by interference of light emitted from the active regionwith light reflected by the second mirror to form at least oneextraction mode.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein the method furthercomprises: providing a substrate structure; and forming the TB-GEMMstructure on, and facing touching, the substrate structure and issubstantially lattice matched to a face of the substrate structure. 18.The method of claim 15, wherein the method further comprises: providinga substrate structure; and forming the OC-GEMM structure on, and facingtouching, the substrate structure and is substantially lattice matchedto a face of the substrate structure.
 19. The method of claim 11,wherein the TB-GEMM structure comprises: a compound that includes(Hf_(x)Zr_(y)Ti_(z))R where x+y+z=1 and where x is between 0 and 1,inclusive, and where y is between 0 and 1, inclusive, and where z isbetween 0 and 1, inclusive, and wherein R is N or B₂.
 20. The method ofclaim 11, further comprising forming an insulating interfacial layersuch that in the light-emitting device the interfacial layer is locatedbetween the TB-GEMM structure and the TB structure.
 21. An apparatus formaking a light-emitting device, the apparatus comprising: means forforming a light-emitting active region; means for forming atunneling-barrier (TB) structure such that in the light-emitting devicethe TB structure is facing adjacent the active region; means for forminga TB grown-epitaxial-metal-mirror (TB-GEMM) structure such that in thelight-emitting device the TB-GEMM structure is facing adjacent the TBstructure, wherein the TB-GEMM structure includes at least one metal andwherein the TB-GEMM structure is substantially lattice matched to theactive region; means for forming a conductivity type III-nitride crystalstructure such that in the light-emitting device the conductivity typeIII-nitride crystal structure is facing adjacent the active regionopposite the TB structure; and means for forming a current-conductingcontact such that in the light-emitting device the current-conductingcontact is electrically connected to the conductivity type III-nitride.